THE BURIAL OF MAHUTA.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14522, 26 November 1912, Page 4

THE BURIAL OF MAHUTA.

AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY. „ T 9. oatrar y to the usual custom the new King" -was crowned beforo the late King's body was laid to rest. The funeral took place in the afternoon, and although it was unconventional at times, everything was conducted with decorum. It was given out in the early part of the week that the body would be taken up to the "Wahi Tapu" at the top of tho lofty Taupiri mountain, where Tawhiao is said to rest, but tho placo decided upon wa.s Hukanui, a spot down the river about threo miles from Waahi. Hukanui is tho place where the late "King" had a farm and had just built a fino now house.

After some speechmaking over tho body at the marae. the cortege moved off to the sound of guns. First cs.tra a double low of young men in whito short trousers and singlets, with black bands like those of a clergyman, falling from the neck in front, and another band round tho waist. They carried carbines reversed in truo military style, and marched slowly with their eyes fixed on Iho ground. Then came a squad of Territorials from.the Waikato. Tho band playing the Dead March in "Saul" came next, and then followed tho coffin—a rich casket of dark wood, heavily mounted with silver—which was borno on a bier draped with royal purple. Over the coffin wero spread a number of valuable mats and black plumes. Behird walked To Rata and the other chief mourners, including Mahuta's widow. The rest of the people joined in as the procession slowly wended its way out of the village and along the road which follows tho willow-fringed river. At intervals along the route salvos wero discharged by the firing part,** the burial place was reached there were more salvo? and tho firing of what would bo equivalent to minute guns. At the graveside an t impressive service was held, all the Native clersymen taking part. Sir James Carroll, who had been a notable absentee from the ceremony of tho morning, was present as a mark of respect to the deceased, and gave a touching address to the mourners. Judge Holland, of the Native Land Court, was present to represent his department. At tho conclusion of th© service volleys were fired by a firing party, th» coffin was lowered amidst prolonged lamentations, ard the remains of I Mahuta were laid to rest.